N.C.A.A. TOURNAMENT;Sticking Close to the Home Proves Ticket for Freshman

Tyrone Washington is 1 of 10 players on the Mississippi State team who is from this state. But he is unique.

Washington was Mississippi's high school player of the year last year, and now, in his freshman season, he is on his way to the Final Four.

Every kid that plays basketball wants to play in the N.B.A.," Washington said today as his team prepared for Saturday's game against Syracuse. "And every one I know wants to play in a Final Four. I'm getting half of my dream this weekend. I never thought it would come this fast. I'm still rejoicing."

He is not alone.

There are cars and trucks everywhere with some form of congratulation painted on their windows for their beloved Bulldogs. They are the talk of the town and the pride swells in every corner of Starkville and throughout the state.

Who would have thought that Mississippi State, a school that earned every bit of a 7-21 record in 1986-87, Coach Richard Williams's first season, would come this far this fast? Why, only three seasons ago, Mississippi State was 13-16 over all and 5-11 in the Southeastern Conference. A doormat in the S.E.C.

But Williams, who went to school here, coached high school ball in Mississippi and who has spent all 29 years of his coaching career in this state, kept looking at home to build the Bulldogs into national prominence. He kept scouring the state and pushing the merits of his program to players such as the starting junior center Erick Dampier (New Hebron, Miss.) and sophomore guard Marcus Bullard (Long Beach, Miss.) and senior forward Russell Walters (Myrick, Miss.). He kept pushing for players like Tyrone Washington.

Washington is coming on strong. When Mississippi State (26-7) battles Syracuse (28-8) in the Continental Arena, Dampier (14.6 points, 9.2 rebounds) will be easy to find and so will guard Darryl Wilson (a team-best 18 points a game) and forward Dantae' Jones (14.6 points).

But players like Washington are a factor in what makes the Bulldogs so successful and so dangerous. As a 6-foot-10-inch, 250-pound center/forward, he gives Mississippi State strength off the bench and athleticism and punch.

He is solid for the present and a big reason why the Bulldogs will be good in the future. A versatile big man, he has strong post moves and solid rebounding ability. He needs work on his quickness and foot speed, but working against the smooth Dampier every day in practice is a great way to improve.

"The bench here gives the team a spark, and that's what our role is," Washington said.

Against favored Cincinnati in the Southeast Regional finals last weekend, Washington played 11 minutes and made 3 of 4 shots and one free throw to finish with 7 points in Mississippi State's 73-63 victory. He grabbed 4 rebounds and blocked a shot. He not only gave Dampier a break, but kept the pressure on Cincinnati with quality minutes.

Not bad for a freshman.

"At this time of year, in this position, in the Final Four, you grow up in a hurry," Washington said.